Public Schools

Gatesville Independent School District maintains five campuses in Gatesville:

• Primary School serves pre-K through first grade
• Elementary School serves second and third grades
• Intermediate School serves grades 4 through 6
• Junior High School serves grades 7 and 8.
• High School serves grades 9 through 12 and is the home of the 2000 Texas State 3A High School Football Champions, the Gatesville Hornets.

GISD strives for excellence in all aspects, from buildings and equipment to instructors and programs. The district has wonderful instructional programs focusing on the basic needs of students through gifted and talented programs, and award winning fine arts and outstanding extracurricular programs. The variety of courses offerings, including AP and Vocation, meet the needs of all students. One goal of the district is to provide emotional, psychological and physical security for all children.Total enrollment for 2003 - 2004 was 2,616, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.7/1. GISD students received high marks on the 2003 TAAS tests, with marks ranging from 93 – 98% in all areas. GISD received a district rating of “Recognized” from the Texas Education Agency for the 2003 – 2004 school year.

Colleges & Universities

Within driving distance of Gatesville are seven institutions of higher education. These institutions are

• Baylor University
• McLennan Community College
• University of Mary Hardin Baylor
• Tarleton State University/Central Texas Campus
• Central Texas College (satellite campus in Gatesville) 
• Temple College

Technical Schools / Colleges

• Coryell Cosmetology College offers cosmetology, nail tech, and instructor courses. The college, approved by the Texas Department of Education and licensed by the Texas Cosmetology Commission, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
• Texas State Technical College, Waco, located within driving distance of Gatesville, is one of a system of public two-year institutions of higher education with outstanding records of graduating students who are recruited aggressively by business and industry.